Balancing equations and hurdles takes more than talent—it takes discipline, focus and a love for both the process and the pursuit of excellence. For John Adesola, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science program at the University of Houston, that balance has defined his journey.
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Adesola is not only mastering the art of analyzing complex data sets but also sprinting his way into international track and field recognition. This year, he earned a bronze medal at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 110-meter hurdles and represented South Africa at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Having exhausted his collegiate eligibility, Adesola now continues training and competing unattached, meaning he participates in meets independently rather than as a member of a university team. Despite this transition, he remains fully committed to advancing both his academic pursuits and athletic goals.
“It’s been an incredible experience—one you want to relive,” Adesola said. “The support from teammates, coaches and friends has been amazing. Competing at that level motivates me to keep pushing and to see how far I can go.”
Finding Patterns—in Data and in Life
Adesola’s passion for data science stems from his fascination with finding patterns and predicting outcomes. “I’ve always loved numbers and the idea of using data to gather information and make observations,” he said. “As an athlete, I track my performances over time, look at what needs improvement and use that data to plan for future results. It all connects.”
His analytical mindset has proven to be a perfect fit for UH’s data-driven graduate program. After completing a post-baccalaureate program in data science last year, he joined the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics full-time in fall 2025.
“The structure of the MS in Statistics and Data Science program has been great,” he said. “It’s well organized, and I’ve enjoyed working with professors and professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom.”
One faculty member, Dr. Cathy Poliak, has been a key mentor in his journey. “She’s been such a guide, especially as an international student,” Adesola said. “Funding and eligibility challenges have been tough, but her support has helped me stay focused and keep moving forward.”
Balancing Two Worlds
Being a full-time graduate student while training and competing independently means managing every hour of the day. “It’s all about planning and time management,” Adesola said. “You create a structure to follow—even when you’re tired. There are two sides of you, but you have to find a way to persevere and make time for both your studies and your training.”
His disciplined approach comes from lessons learned on the track. “Track teaches perseverance and patience,” he said. “When things don’t go as planned—whether it’s a bad race or a coding error—you can’t give up. You just have to find a solution.”
From Pretoria to Houston
Adesola’s transition from South Africa to the United States was smoother than he expected. After spending six months at the University of New Orleans, he transferred to UH in 2024. “Houston’s international culture made it easy to adjust,” he said. “The community is welcoming, and I’ve met friends through student organizations and sporting events. It feels like home.”
While his NCAA eligibility has concluded, Adesola continues to train and compete independently while representing South Africa internationally. “It’s somewhat of a dream come true,” he said. “Opportunities like this are eye-opening and motivate me to dream bigger and keep working toward my goals.”
Looking Ahead
While data science offers a path to a promising career, track and field remains an enduring passion. Adesola hopes to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles while completing his degree.
“Track is a dream I want to keep alive for as long as I can,” he said. “At the same time, I plan to apply my data science skills to real-world challenges—whether in sports analytics, technology or research.”
Words of Advice
For fellow student-athletes and international students, Adesola’s message is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be scared of failing,” he said. “Focus on the chance of success and believe in yourself. If you do that, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.”
About the Program
UH’s Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science program provides training in statistical analysis, data mining, and machine learning. Graduates pursue careers in fields ranging from finance and energy to biomedical research and technology.
For more Information on the MSDS Program, visit uh.edu/nsm/math/graduate/ms-statistics-data-science.